The Devils sent center Jacob Josefson down to Albany today, recalling Andrei Loktionov in his place.

Josefson has just one assist in 15 games this season and is a gnarly minus 8. By all accounts the move was made to allow Josefson an opportunity to rekindle his form -- though Pete DeBoer alluded to a call-up later by mentioning that Josefson's fresh legs would be appreciated in the season.

"Jacob’s just not playing the way he was playing," general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "Not that he’s doing anything wrong, but whenever you have the ability when someone’s game maybe slipped a little to send a player to the minors, especially a young player, to get their game back it’s what you do."

Lamoriello pointed out that he believed Josefson was the Devils' best forward in their shootout loss to the Bruins last month. And DeBoer wanted to clarify that it was not Josefson's fault that the Devils have stumbled over the last week.

"The unfortunate thing is it almost looks like you’re singling out somebody, which you’re not," Lamoriello said. "It’s just that with some players you can’t do that. You have to leave them here because they don’t have the ability to be sent down."

"He’s just slipped a little. So, we’re just going to get him down there and get his confidence back if that’s the word and he’ll be back before you know it. Plus, Loktionov has been playing extremely well and deserves to get there and get an opportunity."

Loktionov received the call heralding him back to the NHL this morning at 7 a.m., with Chris Lamoriello, Albany's GM on the other line. Loktionov then drove down from Albany to make it in time for practice this afternoon.